Deadline near for zoo, Wildling photo contest

Animal-loving photographers are invited to submit their photos of animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo as part of a new “Wild Things” contest sponsored by the zoo and the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature in Solvang.

The winning photographs will be featured as part of their “Wildling at the Zoo” collaboration in an exhibit that opens in April at the Zoo’s Discovery Pavilion. The deadline for entries has been extended to 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15.

“Wild Things” has two categories, one for adults (18 or older) and another for children (17 or younger). It is a juried exhibit with prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place in both age groups. Prizes include memberships and passes to both the zoo and the Wildling, gift cards and gifts, artwork created by zoo animals, and passes to zoo attractions.

“The aim is to have photographers of all ages and skill levels capture the character and individuality of the animals that live at the zoo, from large to small, and to have fun doing it,” said Wildling Museum Executive Director Stacey Otte-Demangate. “Focus on your favorite animal or simply explore. We are looking for images as wild as the zoo itself.”

The “Wild Things” exhibit will open on Monday, April 9, including the award winners and other entries selected by the judges. Many of the photographs will be for sale, with proceeds benefiting the artist, the zoo, and the museum.

“It makes perfect sense to partner with the Wildling,” said zoo Marketing Director Dean Noble. “Both our missions are to connect people with animals and nature, either in person or through artwork. We look forward to more collaboration and more great art.”